Pastae. Pastes.
Format explanation.
Related entry: Paints
Pastes are medicated preparations intended for external application. They are usually compounded with amylaceous bases, bassorin or glycogelatin. They are principally employed as antiseptic, caustic, cooling, or soothing dressings in skin affections; usually applied spread on lint, covered with a layer of cotton wool and secured by bandage or strapping plaster, or applied with a brush if their consistence permits. Pastes prepared with a glycogelatin basis are melted by standing the containers in hot water, and applied to the skin with a stiff brush, the film produced being covered with lint, or other suitable protective. Glycogelatin pastes are usually medicated with substances possessing antiseptic or soothing properties, and the medicated films produced by their application are frequently employed for the protection and relief of eczematous skin areas. Bassorin paste (Linimentum Exsiccans) consists of tragacanth, 5; glycerin, 2; distilled water, 93. This basis is sometimes used medicated with ammonium ichthosulphonate, 30 per cent.; boric acid, 10 per cent.; chrysarobin, 5 per cent.; hydronaphthol, 5 per cent.; resorcin, 30 per cent., or salicylic acid, 5 per cent. If such preparations are smeared upon the skin, and allowed to dry, a medicated film is produced, which can easily be removed by washing.
